Help Articles

When opening ProSeries Professional or ProSeries Basic there are 5 different components that could cause ProSeries to freeze if they aren't working properly. This article will help you test and repair these components.

• This article references default installation paths and uses YY to reference the tax year in 20YY format. C: will always indicate the local drive and X: will always indicate the network drive.

Repairing damaged updates:

This can be a problem with damaged files in the update directory, and can occur in any of the current or back year programs. To correct this:

1. Press CTRL ALT & Delete to open Task Manager.
2. If you see a simple list of items instead of a tabbed view, select More details.
3. Select the Processes tab.
4. Look for ProSeries for the tax year that won't open and click the arrow to show all ProSeries processes.
5. Select ProSeries - 20YY.
6. Select the End task to fully close ProSeries.
7. Open Windows File Explorer.
8. Browse to and open the Updates folder:
   • For ProSeries Professional stand-alone it's C:\ProWinYY\Updates
   • For ProSeries Professional networks it's X:\ProNetYY\Updates
   • For ProSeries Basic it's C:\BasWinYY\Updates
9. While in the Updates folder press CTRL + A to select all the files then press Delete to clear out the old updates.
10. Try to open ProSeries.
    • If ProSeries opens successfully, you can download any pending updates by going to the Updates menu and choose Update Installed Products.
    • If ProSeries doesn't open, continue with the next section.

Checking the print driver:

ProSeries always accesses the printer driver when attempting to open. If the driver is incompatible or damaged, ProSeries will freeze. To correct this:

1. In the Windows Search enter Printers to bring up Printers & scanners. .
2. Select the Microsoft XPS Document Writer and choose Manage.
3. Select the Set as default button.
4. Try to open ProSeries.
   • If ProSeries opens successfully, there's no need to continue with the rest of the steps.
   • If ProSeries doesn't open, continue with the next section.

Repairing the HomeBase:

If the HomeBase records have been damaged it can prevent ProSeries from opening. See How to completely rebuild the ProSeries HomeBase for steps.

Repairing the SHRFRM file:

The 'shared form' file may be damaged and will need to be renamed. This file is responsible for storing preparer information, rates per form, and global billing options.  Renaming this file may result in the loss of the information. You'll need to re-enter this information when ProSeries is re-opened.

1. Close ProSeries.
2. Browse to the Common folder:
   • ProSeries Professional stand-alone default is  C:\ProWinYY\Common
   • ProSeries Basic default is C:\BasWinYY\Common
   • ProSeries Professional Network installs default is X:\ProNetYY\Common
3. Find the SHRFRMYY file.
4. Right-click on the files and choose Rename.
5. Put old at the end so its called SHRFRMYYold
6. Try to open ProSeries.
   • If ProSeries opens successfully, go to the Help menu and select Option Setup Wizard to re-enter your firm and billing information.
   • If ProSeries doesn't open, continue with the next section.

Repairing .NET Framework:

Microsoft .NET framework is a key Windows component that is required for ProSeries and other software to function correctly. If this has become damaged it can cause ProSeries to no longer open. See Repairing or reinstalling the Microsoft .NET Framework